Room Redo

Here are some simple tips to having a fabulous guest room. I said it last week and I will say it again, sleep in your guest room every once in awhile. Is it comfortable in both summer and winter? Is it quiet at night?

The top of the bed doesn’t have to hold the luggage. Nor is the floor is an appropriate spot. A folding luggage rack, a low console or a bench could be a perfect place to unpack. Think about your favorite hotel. Mimic your favorite details. Summer is the perfect time to schedule a trip to do some research.

Hotels have really pumped up t heir bedding. Don’t use all hand-me-downs. If you can’t get a new mattress, at least get some new, really nice pillows.

One of my pet peeves — please be sure to add a wastepaper basket in the guest room. Most people do some shopping, etc. while visiting and unpacking usually generates a little trash. Give them someplace to put it.

Outfit the guest bath with assorted toiletries and plenty of fresh towels. If the guest shares a family bathroom, a basket can be placed in the room. A small basket or container also makes it easier for them to tote their items back and forth.

Most of us love having guests. Make your guests love coming back by making them comfortable in your home.

Summer is a time for full houses and lots of guests. So, it is the perfect time to see just how comfortable you can make your guest room. Chances are a little Feng Shui will help.

First, keep it clutter free so you don’t have to scramble when guests are arriving. Too many of us are guilty of making the guest room a dumping ground. Take some time to get rid of old items and be sure to leave at least half of the closets and drawers empty so that guests can unpack.

To encourage rest and relaxation, paint the room in a soothing color, maybe a pale blue or green, or an earth tone. Think about what your guests will see when they wake up. Choose landscape artwork or outdoor images like flowers, rivers, or meadows for best results.

Having a mirror in the room allows for guests to get dressed easily. Be sure it does not face exactly opposite from where your guests sleep. Off-setting the mirror from the bed, even by just a little bit is best.

Following these tips will ensure that your guest sleep soundly and have happy memories of their visit to your home. Spend a night in it yourself to make sure you have covered all the needs and then start inviting your friends!

Bed Placement: Where to put the bed is a frequent question when decorating a bedroom. Since the bed is the focal point of the whole room, it needs to be well placed. In some bedrooms, there is only one way the bed can go so you must design around it. Cornering a bed is a unique bedroom design can add depth. It naturally draws your eyes but it takes up a lot of space, so only use in a larger bedroom.

In small rooms, you may need to put the bed up against the wall. This allows for more open floor space. If there are several choices, some rules of thumb are to place the bed on the longest wall, on a wall without windows and/or on a wall that allows you to see the door but not line up directly with it. If you can hit all of these decorating goals, you have a great bedroom floor plan.

The bed really sets the tone. You can select a headboard in nearly any style, add art above the bed to make a statement and select linens that complement your style. Place the bed in the perfect place and enjoy a beautiful, restful bedroom.

Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of placement. The Chinese believe that by placing things to encourage the beneficial flow of chi (energy force) you can create harmonious change to your health, wealth and relationships.

Feng Shui can be used outdoors as well. A Feng Shui garden should follow nature’s lead. Here are a few things to try as you improve the energy in your outdoor living spaces:

Paths should never be straight, as chi would run too quickly towards your home. Paths should meander and curve. If you have straight paths, allow some plant growth to soften the edges.

A garden should have “living spaces” for relaxation. Trees or shrubs can carve out spaces and provide privacy. Balance is created by mixing different sizes, shapes and colors of plants so that no one species dominates.

Water features such as pools, ponds and fountains are beautiful and encourage good energy flow. They also symbolize prosperity as long as they are kept clean and in proper working order. Outdoor lighting is a great way to bring energy to dark or remote spots. Balance and harmony are the key to a Feng Shui Garden.